At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial futures by providing holistic advice to clients and employees.
- Company: Join a globally recognised advisory firm with a client-focused culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's financial journeys and build trusted relationships.
- Qualifications: Level 4 professional qualifications and experience in financial planning required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Shape the financial futures of employees across leading organisations with a globally recognised advisory firm. We are now seeking a Senior Financial Planner to join our growing Workplace Financial Planning team — a role ideally suited to a client-focused, strategic adviser who thrives on delivering meaningful outcomes and building long‑term trusted relationships.
In this role, you will provide guidance and regulated advice to individuals who are direct clients of WTW or members of some of our largest pension scheme clients. At WTW, our Financial Planning team partners with organisations across the UK to deliver holistic, high‑impact financial guidance that empowers employees to make confident, informed decisions about their future. From retirement planning and investments to tax efficiency, protection and life‑event advice, our approach is built on delivering clarity, confidence and long‑term value.
Why Join WTW?
- Be part of a market‑leading, globally recognised advisory firm
- Deliver holistic financial planning, not purely product‑led advice
- Engage with a diverse client base through workplace financial wellbeing initiatives
- Leverage WTW’s wider expertise across pensions, investments and risk
- Play a key role in shaping and growing a high‑impact financial planning proposition
- Hybrid working – typically 2 days per week in the office
- Offices available in London, Bristol, Reigate, or Manchester
- Flexibility to balance client delivery, collaboration and remote working
The Role
As a Senior Financial Planner, you will deliver end‑to‑end financial planning support to a diverse client base, engaging employees across all levels through 1:1 consultations, seminars, and tailored guidance sessions.
- Provide holistic financial planning advice across pensions, investments, tax, protection and estate planning
- Support clients through key life events, delivering clear, practical guidance to complex financial decisions
- Deliver engaging financial education workshops and workplace seminars
- Build long‑term, trusted relationships, acting as a strategic partner in clients’ financial journeys
- Contribute to the growth and success of WTW’s Workplace Financial Planning offering
Core Focus Areas
- Pre‑ and post‑retirement planning (including clients aged 55+)
- Retirement income strategies (annuities, drawdown, UFPLS and blended solutions)
- Ongoing advice in retirement, adapting to changing client needs
- Pension switching, consolidation and Annual Allowance planning
- Investment advice, portfolio reviews and estate planning
- Workplace financial education and guidance
Performance & Impact
- Deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective advice tailored to client objectives
- Build credibility with clients and prospects, expanding relationships and identifying opportunities
- Lead face‑to‑face workplace financial education sessions
- Promote and contribute to marketing and growth initiatives across the business
- Collaborate with WTW teams to strengthen and expand financial planning services
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, including maintaining SPS and CPD standards
- Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
- Mentor junior colleagues and work closely with paraplanners/administrators to ensure efficient delivery
- Manage workload effectively, including accurate time recording and commercial awareness
Qualifications
- Suitable professional qualifications to Level 4, with the ability to provide retail investment advice
- Proven experience delivering guidance and advice to large corporates and CXO‑level clients
- Strong expertise across the UK pensions landscape, including DB, DC and Cash Balance schemes, alongside broader investment product knowledge
- Ability to advise on retirement income strategies and complex financial planning scenarios
- Deep understanding of the UK pensions tax regime, including Annual Allowance (AA), Tapered AA and Lifetime Allowance protections
- A strong track record in financial planning / wealth advisory within the UK market
- A client‑first, relationship‑led mindset with the ability to simplify complex concepts
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organisation and initiative
- Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with experience using tools such as Morningstar Adviser Workstation, FE Analytics, Intelliflo or Voyant advantageous
- Relevant qualifications such as Diploma / Chartered / Certified Financial Planner preferred.
This is a Certification Function role under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) Senior Manager and Certification Regime. Candidates are required to be assessed under the Fitness and Proprietary standards. This assessment will be carried out through self‑disclosures, permitted criminal record checks, reference checks, credit checks and other background checks. If hired for this role, you will also be required to complete an annual declaration regarding your Fitness and Propriety. This role will additionally be subject to the FCA’s Conduct Rules.
What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle‑to‑work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@wtwco.com.
Senior Financial Planner in Manchester employer: Willis Towers Watson
Join WTW, a globally recognised advisory firm, where you can shape the financial futures of employees across leading organisations. With a strong focus on holistic financial planning, our supportive work culture fosters long-term relationships and offers extensive growth opportunities, including hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance both your professional and personal life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Planner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial planning world and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to financial planning. Think about how you can demonstrate your client-first mindset and your ability to simplify complex concepts during these discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When chatting with potential employers, share specific instances where you've delivered high-quality advice or built long-term relationships with clients. This will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at WTW and contributing to our mission of empowering employees.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial planning, especially with pensions and investments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Senior Financial Planner.
Showcase Your Client-Focused Approach:In your application, emphasise your ability to build long-term relationships and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients. We love candidates who can demonstrate a client-first mindset and strategic thinking.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your professional qualifications and any relevant certifications. We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in financial planning, so make sure this shines through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK pensions landscape and financial planning strategies. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios, like retirement income strategies or tax efficiency, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Showcase Your Client-Focused Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build long-term relationships with clients. Think about times when you've simplified complex financial concepts for clients, as this will demonstrate your client-first approach.
✨Engage with Real-Life Scenarios
During the interview, be prepared to engage in role-play or case studies that reflect real-life financial planning situations. This will allow you to showcase your problem-solving skills and how you deliver practical guidance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about WTW’s Workplace Financial Planning team and their approach to client engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.